Be Well.

Nov 25 No Harm, No Fowl: Staying Fit during Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you know what that means — friends, family and (most importantly) food.

Over any break, it can be easy to abandon your fitness goals, especially during Thanksgiving when you are constantly surrounded by turkey, dressing, and 10 other dishes — not to mention dessert. Interested in enjoying Thanksgiving without leaving your workout behind? Here are three quick-and-easy ways to get your workout in — even when you’re absolutely stuffed.

Running

Begin the break on the right foot, and run before a big meal! Avoid excuses of tiredness by beginning your high-intensity workout before you eat Thanksgiving dinner. You don’t even need a gym; just head outside and go! You can even download a running app to help track your path and progress. Here are some of our favorites.

Yoga

If you have ever tried yoga, you probably know how relaxing and challenging it is. Since it’s a moderate-intensity aerobic workout, your body will burn body fat instead of glycogen for energy, according to the American Council on Exercise. This means that you won’t be starving afterward, which makes it a great pre-Thanksgiving dinner workout.

If you can’t make time for it before your meal, it’s just as impactful afterward. Also, yoga can be done just about anywhere, even in the comfort of your bedroom.

Walking.

The leaves are falling, the air is cooling, and everything is right in the world. So get out there, and enjoy it while it lasts. Too full for a run? Take a walk. Walking is an effective low-impact workout that will improve your mood and your health. You don’t have to go far; even a quick stroll around the block will work as long as you are up and moving.

Also, even if you end up ditching your fitness goals over Thanksgiving break, don't get discouraged. You can always jump right back in! Have any tips for staying fit over the break? Let us know in the comments below!

Managing EditorWorking for BeWell is a perfect fit for Hannah as she is able to combine two of her favorite things—people and writing—and call it work! Hannah enjoys listening to Coldplay, thrift shopping, laughing, and sneaking free chocolate at marketing events! Her favorite ways to work off the stolen treats are running on the track and all things cardio at The Rec.

A definite night owl (and by no means a morning person unless coffee is involved), you will rarely find Hannah at Campus Recreation before noon. Hannah plans to pursue a career in magazine journalism. Look for her some day at Vogue, Glamour, or Cosmopolitan.

Managing EditorWorking for BeWell is a perfect fit for Hannah as she is able to combine two of her favorite things—people and writing—and call it work! Hannah enjoys listening to Coldplay, thrift shopping, laughing, and sneaking free chocolate at marketing events! Her favorite ways to work off the stolen treats are running on the track and all things cardio at The Rec.

A definite night owl (and by no means a morning person unless coffee is involved), you will rarely find Hannah at Campus Recreation before noon. Hannah plans to pursue a career in magazine journalism. Look for her some day at Vogue, Glamour, or Cosmopolitan.